Limato's Nunthorpe bid hinges on Friday workout

Aug 11 2016

Henry Candy's four-year-old claimed his first victory at Group One level with a stunning display over six furlongs at Newmarket last month.

He has previously won over seven furlongs and Candy has also stated his keenness to test his charge over a mile once more after he finished fourth over that trip in the Lockinge at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance in May.

However, he is now set to test his powers over the minimum distance on the Knavesmire on Friday week.

"Mr (Paul) Jacobs (owner) is going to see him work on Friday morning and if he works OK and the weather forecast is right, then he will supplement him for £30,000 for the Nunthorpe," Candy told Racing UK.

"That's a fairly bold thing to do because the difference between a six-furlong race at Newmarket and five-furlong race at York is pretty amazing.

"If he didn't go to York, he would go to Goodwood for the Celebration Mile.

"Even though he's four years old, we're still learning a lot about him and we've got plenty of options."

Robert Cowell still has a number of horses in contention for the Nunthorpe, including d ual Group One scorer Goldream and Royal Ascot-winning stable companion Prince Of Lir.

Goldream won both the King's Stand and the Prix de l'Abbaye last season and ran a fine race on his return from a break when third in the King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

Norfolk Stakes hero Prince Of Lir subsequently disappointed in the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte, but Cowell would be happy to let him take on his elders on the Knavesmire if he gets his favoured conditions.

"Prince Of Lir could well show up. I had a chat with the owner a couple of days ago about him and we're keen to go all the way through to declaration stage and see what the ground is like," said Cowell.

"He won't show up if it's good to firm ground, but he could show up if it's good or softer.

"I'd put a line through his Papin form. It wasn't him and he scoped a little bit dirty when we brought him back.

"You'll see a different horse next time up."

While Prince Of Lir prefers an ease underfoot, Goldream excels when he can hear his hooves rattle.

"Goldream will be a runner if the ground is fast and I was absolutely delighted with how he ran at Goodwood," the trainer told At The Races.

"Having a race under his belt now, I think he's got a live chance wherever he shows up."

The Newmarket handler added that S pirit Quartz could "run well at a big price" if the ground is good or softer.